The Ultimate Espresso Machine Quiz

Coffee isn't just for caffeine addicts any more. These days, folks seem to be drinking gourmet coffee anytime, anyplace. If you're considering buying your own espresso machine, take our quiz to see if you know how to make the perfect cup!

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Question 1 of 20

The word "espresso" comes from what language?

French

Italian

"Espresso" comes from the Italian word for "express" because the drink is served immediately after it's made.

Spanish

Question 2 of 20

Espresso is usually served in what size cup?

large, tall

shot-sized

When you order an espresso at an authentic coffeehouse, you can expect it to be served in a shot-sized cup or glass called a demitasse.

short, wide

Question 3 of 20

How much ground coffee should you use to make one serving of espresso?

.5 tablespoon

You need about half a tablespoon, or a quarter of an ounce, of ground coffee to make one espresso.

1 tablespoon

1.5 tablespoons

Question 4 of 20

Which type of coffee drink is made with espresso?

instant coffee

drip coffee

cappuccino

Latte, mocha and cappuccino are all made with espresso.

Question 5 of 20

What is the ideal color and consistency of espresso?

light brown, slightly thick

dark brown, slightly thick

By passing about 1.5 ounces of steaming water through finely ground coffee beans, you can make the perfect dark brown, slightly thick cup of espresso.

dark brown, thin

Question 6 of 20

When you grind coffee beans for espresso, which texture is best?

finely ground

When you grind beans to the texture of powdered sugar, you are one step closer to a great cup of espresso.

medium ground

coarsely ground

Question 7 of 20

What is the ideal water temperature for making espresso?

just below boiling

To make the best cup of espresso, you should heat the water to just below boiling.

212 degrees F (100 degrees C)

200 degrees F (93 degrees C)

Question 8 of 20

How long should it take for the steaming water to pass through the ground coffee when making espresso?

10 seconds

25 seconds

For best results, the water should take about 25 seconds to pass through the coffee beans.

60 seconds

Question 9 of 20

How does a simple espresso machine work?

It heats water in a closed compartment, which is then passed through the coffee.

The simplest espresso machines use pressure that comes from heating water in a closed compartment, forcing the water up through the ground coffee and out through a spout.

It mixes coffee and water together in the same compartment and then heats the mixture.

It heats coffee in a closed compartment and then mixes it with water.

Question 10 of 20

How much do the simplest espresso machines cost?

$30

$50

You can buy an inexpensive espresso machine for about $50, and a basic stovetop model costs about $20. The stovetop model doesn't froth milk and do other things the machine can, though.

$75

Question 11 of 20

Which of the following components of a pump-style espresso machine is used to heat the milk?

the steam wand

If you want heated, foamy milk in your drink, simply put the valve in the steam position, and steam is released from the wand into the milk.

the reservoir

the heating chamber

Question 12 of 20

What holds the supply of cold water in a pump-style espresso machine?

the heating chamber

the steam wand

the reservoir

To make a cup of espresso, you must start with cold water, which is kept in the specially designed, removable reservoir.

Question 13 of 20

Where is the ground coffee stored in an espresso machine?

the pump

the porta-filter

The porta-filter is a small basket with a removable screen.

the reservoir

Question 14 of 20

Which component of the espresso machine transfers water to the heating chamber?

the control panel

the pump

As you would expect of a pump, this one's job is to draw water out of the reservoir and pump it into the heating chamber at high pressure.

a funnel-shaped metal tube

Question 15 of 20

Where is the heating element located in an espresso machine's heating chamber?

in a groove at the bottom

If you look, you will find the heating element built into a special groove at the bottom of the heating chamber.

suspended from the top

attached to the side

Question 16 of 20

What keeps water from slipping back into the pump from the heating chamber of an espresso machine?

a small hinged door

a coiled wire

a one-way valve

In the machine's heating chamber, there is a one-way valve that lets water into the chamber and keeps it from flowing back into the pump.

Question 17 of 20

What material protects the heating element in an espresso machine?

plaster

The heating element is a coiled wire similar to a light bulb filament, which is wrapped in plaster to make it stronger.

plastic

nylon

Question 18 of 20

What important control valve should you locate on your espresso machine before you begin using it?

the fan valve

the flow control valve

The flow-control valve directs the flow of water through the coffee in the porta-filter and also opens the flow of steam from the steam wand if you want frothy milk.

the temperature valve

Question 19 of 20

How high is the pressure in the heating chamber of an espresso machine?

145 psi (pounds per square inch)

220 psi (pounds per square inch)

When the pump is engaged, the heating chamber and hot water are pressurized to about 220 psi of pressure. Compare that to the 32 psi of pressure for tires on a Honda Civic -- that's why espresso takes only seconds to make!

295 psi (pounds per square inch)

Question 20 of 20

What material is the heating chamber in an espresso machine made of?

stainless steel

The heating element in an espresso machine is made to last with durable stainless steel.